Podcasts about state incentives

We're in the dead of winter, but the sun still shines and soon the days will grow longer as spring draws near. Will you be tempted to invest in solar energy for your home? I invite you to check out this interview with solar expert Randy French, founder of Independent Solar in Arizona, as we discuss the potential benefits and challenges involved with solar. And, if you like it, please consider subscribing and leaving a comment. Hitting the like button would be great, too!So, join us on the Lean to the Left podcast as we delve into the benefits and complexities of solar solutions for the home, and how you can benefit by saving both money and the planet. Host Bob Gatty discusses his own solar panel experience with Randy French and learn how solar energy can lead to substantial financial savings, increase your home value, and contribute to environmental sustainability. This episode covers factors like cost efficiency, export rates, and incentives, while also addressing such potential challenges as HOA regulations and resale of solar-equipped homes. Whether you're considering solar for financial reasons, environmental concerns, or both, this podcast offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Lean to the Left Podcast00:09 Why Invest in Solar Energy?01:04 Meet Randy French: Solar Energy Expert01:21 The Rising Cost of Electricity03:40 Benefits of Going Solar05:40 Understanding Solar Savings16:29 Federal and State Incentives for Solar21:38 Can Solar Panels Be Installed on Any Roof?23:06 Solar System Durability in Extreme Weather23:37 Navigating HOA Regulations for Solar Installations25:19 Selling a Home with a Financed Solar System29:58 Understanding Net Energy Metering30:35 The Future of Solar: Federal Mandates and Utility Companies35:56 The Importance of Backup Power for Solar Systems39:08 Solar Efficiency in Low-Sunlight Regions40:21 Final Thoughts on Going SolarAbout Bob Gatty A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time. Please check out Bob's new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version: $3.99. Here's a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.As we continue to explore pressing social issues, I encourage everyone to share their stories and experiences. Your voice matters!"DISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won't pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.

As one of the country's highest producers of carbon emissions, health care has a special responsibility in helping solve the ongoing climate crisis. What opportunities exist for health systems to make immediate improvements to their carbon footprint, and how can they set themselves up for a sustainable future?Dan Misleh, co-founder of the Catholic Climate Covenant, joins Health Calls to talk about the many partnerships his organization is rallying around. He highlights the non-profit's Catholic Energies program, lists the financial benefits of making sustainable changes, and encourages Catholic health providers to think about how climate action can be a way to live out their mission.ResourcesRegister for CHA's Feast of St. Francis Webinar, Catholic Healthcare Sows Hope and Action for CreationGet involved with the organizations mentioned in today's episodeCatholic Climate CovenantCatholic EnergiesProject DrawdownDSIRE: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency

Join Sean White on this episode of the Solar and Energy Storage Podcast as he sits down with Jessica Harris, President of Harris Energy Solutions. They explore Jessica's role in shaping her company's focus on energy consulting versus engineering, and what sets them apart. Discover her approach to establishing a successful consulting firm, and the role of energy modeling in her work. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of energy consulting and the future of sustainable practices.   Topics Covered: Harris Energy Solutions: www.hesconnect.com PE = Professional Engineer Difference between Energy Engineering and Consulting Title 24 laws in California C&I = Commercial and Industrial NABCEP PVDS Energy Modelling in Equest – Jessica Harris' Heatspring class www.heatspring.com/courses/energy-modeling-in-equest VRF = Variable Refrigerant Flow HERS Rater = Home Energy Rating System Rater Energy Audit Solar Incentives Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency:  www.dsireusa.org NYSERDA = New York State Energy Research and Development Authority: www.nyserda.ny.gov CPS Energy Strategies in building and expanding a successful Company Decarbonization Heat Pumps HeatSpring Different types of companies   Reach Jessica Harris here: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-harris Harris Energy Solutions: www.hesconnect.com Heatspring: www.heatspring.com/courses/energy-modeling-in-equest   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean

    Slam the Gavel welcomes Mark Esquibel to the podcast. He is a part of Dad Talk Today that helps Mothers and Fathers navigate through the family court systems. We discussed the failures of CPS in Texas, Title IV-E and ASFA that Bill Clinton signed as he incentivized children being removed from the home. Children are products where states are incentivized for taking children. Judge Janice Graham Jack in the higher level courts recognizes this .      Every single program in CPS is voluntary. It's a SCHEME and a Coercive Control approach to "we are just here to help." The instant media are parents now recording when CPS comes to the door.  As Parents we should know our rights when CPS comes to the door however, 83-86% of claims are unfounded claims /false accusations. State and County, CPS gets a bonus for removing children out of the house and into the Foster Care system, and more bonuses at the 6th month hearing, at the 12th, 18th and the 24th month hearing a CSW is going to get a $4,000.00 bonus for keeping the kids an extra 3 months and lying to parents. YOUR CHILDREN ARE THEIR INCOME.    There are unlicensed individuals working for CPS handling drug testing that will taint the drug test to keep the kids away from parents. When a parent tries to stand up for themselves in court they are then called crazy. The deal is: they will force a psyche evals on the parents to drag the case out because they budget how many kids are in the system, how much was the reimbursement through Title IV-E, AND the rest of the money goes into the JUDGE'S RETIREMENT FUND. They are making money abusing our children. The goal is to come together as parents and stay out of court. CPS is not solution based as it thrives off of an incentivized system that destroys families and children.   We discussed the Jeff Younger case (in Texas) where his son is now in California  being transitioned to a girl and how this can affect parents across the United States. This case was mishandled by Judge Mary Brown.      Also the sad case of Corbin Henderson, where his father was finally allowed to visit with his son minutes before he died and the grand parents were allowed to visit with Corbin for only 90 minutes on Father's Day.   This is the two year anniversary of the John A. Mast murder that took place on February 5th, 2021.  It has taken the DA 2 years and court trials delayed four separate times until this year, this case now goes to trial.    Awareness is key and both sides have to come together and work together. To Reach Mark Esquibel: 762-441-0283/Dad Talk Today.Supportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/Support the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

Slam the Gavel welcomes Mark Esquibel to the podcast. He is a part of Dad Talk Today that helps Mothers and Fathers navigate through the family court systems. We discussed the failures of CPS in Texas, Title IV-E and ASFA that Bill Clinton signed as he incentivized children being removed from the home. Children are products where states are incentivized for taking children. Judge Janice Graham Jack in the higher level courts recognizes this . Every single program in CPS is voluntary. It's a SCHEME and a Coercive Control approach to "we are just here to help." The instant media are parents now recording when CPS comes to the door. As Parents we should know our rights when CPS comes to the door however, 83-86% of claims are unfounded claims /false accusations. State and County, CPS gets a bonus for removing children out of the house and into the Foster Care system, and more bonuses at the 6th month hearing, at the 12th, 18th and the 24th month hearing a CSW is going to get a $4,000.00 bonus for keeping the kids an extra 3 months and lying to parents. YOUR CHILDREN ARE THEIR INCOME. There are unlicensed individuals working for CPS handling drug testing that will taint the drug test to keep the kids away from parents. When a parent tries to stand up for themselves in court they are then called crazy. The deal is: they will force a psyche evals on the parents to drag the case out because they budget how many kids are in the system, how much was the reimbursement through Title IV-E, AND the rest of the money goes into the JUDGE'S RETIREMENT FUND. They are making money abusing our children. The goal is to come together as parents and stay out of court. CPS is not solution based as it thrives off of an incentivized system that destroys families and children. We discussed the Jeff Younger case (in Texas) where his son is now in California being transitioned to a girl and how this can affect parents across the United States. This case was mishandled by Judge Mary Brown. Also the sad case of Corbin Henderson, where his father was finally allowed to visit with his son minutes before he died and the grand parents were allowed to visit with Corbin for only 90 minutes on Father's Day. This is the two year anniversary of the John A. Mast murder that took place on February 5th, 2021. It has taken the DA 2 years and court trials delayed four separate times until this year, this case now goes to trial. Awareness is key and both sides have to come together and work together. To Reach Mark Esquibel: 762-441-0283/Dad Talk Today Supportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri) http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maryann-petri/support

Sixteen states sue the postal service over an ICE vehicle order, Rivian receives $1.5 billion from the state of Georgia, and the Biden administration commits $3.1 billion to EV production. This is the ADAPT News Roundup, bringing you the top headlines from the week's latest industry and tech news. 16 States Sue to Halt USPS ICE Purchase Order Rivian Receives $1.5B in State Incentives from Georgia Biden Launches $3.1B EV Battery Production Boost Plan Stories featured in this week's episode: Be sure to check out ADAPT Automotive on Facebook and Twitter, and visit adaptautomotive.com for latest on industry trends and tech.

On the podcast today: ·       Rivian Wins $1.5 Billion in State Incentives for Georgia Plant ·       Rivian's Ripening: EV automaker begins building Canadian service network ·       Europe can secure enough battery metals for an EV-driven future | Automotive News Europe ·       Enough nickel, lithium for 14 mln EVs in 2023 - European climate group ·       Tesla says it will turn Shanghai into 'the world's largest vehicle export hub' with new factory ·       Elon Musk Says World Will Choose Batteries Over Hydrogen ·       Volvo Heavy Duty Electric Truck Lineup Now Officially On Sale ·       GM's Barra: "We can reenter Europe as an all-EV player." ·       China EV Giant BYD Sales Hit Record High, Defying Covid Lockdowns ·       Volkswagen Subsidiary Skoda's Electric Enyaq Might Be Too Successful

Want to electrify your life and not sure where to start? Then tune in to a special two-part series of Electrify This! to find out how you can cut pollution and save money by making the switch to clean, efficient electric alternatives. Host Sara Baldwin speaks with Joel Rosenberg, the author of the new e-book called Electrify Everything in Your Home: A Guide to Comfy, Healthy, Carbon-Free Living, and Panama Bartholomy of the Building Decarbonization Coalition about the steps homeowners and renters can take to transition to a clean, electrified life. We'll also discuss the big electrification wins of 2021 and the new The Switch is On campaign aimed at helping households and contractors plug in to the electrification movement. Guests:Joel Rosenberg is an educator and entrepreneur focused on helping solve the climate crisis and is the Author of a new e-book, just released, called Electrify Everything in Your Home (which is a Rewiring America publication). Joel has worked on science and engineering education at the Museum of Science, Boston; the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany; the Lawrence Hall of Science at U.C. Berkeley; Maker Media; and Otherlab. He is also the co-founder of 3D Fab Light, an industrial laser cutter company. Joel has a mechanical engineering degree from MIT, and a master's from Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism. Panama Bartholomy is the Director of the Building Decarbonization Coalition, which is a multi-sector forum advocating for and creating solutions for our pollution-intensive building stock. Previously, Panama has served as the European Director of the Investor Confidence Project, an Advisor on Energy and Natural Resources to California Assembly Speaker John A. Perez, the Deputy Director of the California Energy Commission's Efficiency and Renewables Division, and an advisor for Chairwomen Douglas and Pfannenstiel.  He is also a former board member on the U.S. Green Building Council and past president of the Northern California Chapter.  To Dig in Deeper, Check out these Must-Read Resources:Electrify Everything in Your Home: A Guide to Comfy, Healthy, Carbon-Free Living, by Joel Rosenberg – A Rewiring America PublicationThe Switch Is OnBuilding Decarbonization CoalitionEnergy SageDatabase for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIREUSA.org)

Jeff speaks with Governor Spencer Cox on what more can be done throughout Utah to incentivize water conservation  Learn more at Slowtheflow.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have a spot in the garden for some solar panels? What about the roof? For this episode of the Good Growing podcast we chat with Illinois Extension educator Erin Garrett about solar power for the home. If you are considering solar power for your home, we dive into some important considerations and a few extra questions on other renewable energy sources. 5:11 What is renewable energy and what options do those in Illinois have? 6:35 Is solar power the best option for Illinois homes? 9:14 What is a Smart Grid and how do you know if you have a Smart Meter? 15:06 What are some questions you should ask yourself as a homeowner if you are considering getting solar panels? How do you size a solar system? 26:10 Should I cut down large trees that shade my house in order to install solar? 29:20 Can you make money by supplying power to the grid? 34:40 What financial help is available to people considering solar? 39:38 What are some maintenance considerations when dealing with solar panels? 43:00 Why do solar panels need to be switched out every 25 years? 43:52 What options do you have if your home/property is not suitable for solar panels but you still want to support solar energy? 48:32 Do wind turbines kill birds? 50:28 Is there any opportunity for habitat creation in combination with renewable energy? National Renewable Energy Laboratory website - https://www.nrel.gov/ PVWatts Calculator – https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ Illinois Shines (information about SRECs and community solar) – https://illinoisshines.com/ Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - https://www.dsireusa.org/ Erin Garrett, Energy & Environment Stewardship Educator emedvecz@illinois.edu Watch us on YouTube https://youtu.be/TrTSPiqgxeo ___ Any products mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion of these products.

Have you ever wondered how to go about finding a home that has everything you value? It is vital to have a home that supports your lifestyle, and finding the right one can be pretty hard. Now, more than ever, after spending a year indoors, we have learned to value having a comfortable home with all the features we need.  My husband and I wanted an energy-efficient home, and we wanted it to have a back porch for us to sit on. We also wanted a home that would help us support the family health issues we were dealing with at the time. Even though I am in the industry, I had no clue how to find that home.  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach, and in today's podcast, I will introduce you to my friend, Kari Klaus, who is doing some great work in the area of green real estate. Listen in to learn more about how to find a home that has everything you want, and need. Real estate is fluctuating The real estate market is hot for sellers right now because there are still some very interesting potential fluctuations coming out of the pandemic with people working from home.  Change-agents There is a huge opportunity right now for those in real estate to be change agents. Any home can become a greener home Any home, even an older one, can become a greener home by up-leveling the lighting, systems, and appliances. RealtySage Many years ago, Kari bought a home in Arlington, Virginia. It was old and quaint but super outdated and energy inefficient. Although she renovated and updated all the appliances and electrics, she knew she would have problems marketing the property on some major sites because they do not emphasize or educate buyers about the green features of the home, like solar. That means that sellers may not get their return on investment if the buyers do not understand what is in it. People need to see the houses on the internet to know what they look like and understand how much was invested in making them comfortable and energy-efficient.  That is what they do at RealtySage. RealtySage Pro People also need experts who can help explain everything. That is where the second part, RealtySage Pro, comes in. RealtySage Pro connects buyers and sellers to experience a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands all the features and systems of the home.  The value in green homes There is value in green homes that often gets overlooked. A big investment A home is one of the most important and expensive things in which we invest. Buying a house sight unseen can be a problem for people when they do not have all the information upfront.  Trends California has mandated zero energy-performance homes and solar. That trend will continue until it becomes the norm. A learning curve Consumers need to know where their houses land on the green and smart technology scale. They also need to learn about the different codes and certifications, what they stand for, and what they mean.  Solar Consumers can potentially save hundreds of dollars in energy costs from having solar on their properties. Millennials Millennials are making an impact on our society right now. They are currently the largest group of home buyers. Millennials love automated homes with smart technology, and they also love living close to where they work.  The big unknown The post-pandemic remote work situation is the big unknown that could transform real estate significantly. An exciting time It is an interesting and exciting time right now with lots of potential opportunities. With so many people working from home, many commercial office buildings could convert in the future to become apartments and condos. Have a home that supports you Think about what is important to you. Think about having a home that supports your comfort, health, and well-being. Then, take action to make that happen.  RealtySage Pro has a massive database RealtySage Pro has a database of almost 150,000 real estate agents across the country to help match sellers with the right buyers. Their agents understand the value of off-grid properties and help sellers to market that. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  Intelligent Real Estate Search with RealtySage  Get matched with a RealtySage PRO Sage Score Work with Marla to prep for buying or selling a home  Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®  Home Performance Counts  "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

If you put a plastic bag in a bin outside your grocery store - will it really end up being recycled? Are some utilities trying to sabotage the solar industry? We've got answers to these questions and more incredible info about kelp (we are glad you love it as much as we do!) If you have a burning climate-themed question, send us a voice memo to howtosaveaplanet@spotify.com! Calls to Action Find a drop off location for the plastic bags collecting under your sink by visiting PlasticFilmRecycling.org (and where possible, refuse new plastic bags and bring your own) Look up if your city or state has a plastic bag ban or tax legislation in the works through PlasticBagLaws.org and share your thoughts with your representative(s) Register for the The Climate Reality Project free virtual training centering ecojustice in climate leadership to engage with climate change on a broader level Learn More Listen to our original episode about recycling on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts Listen to 99% Invisible’s episode on China’s National Sword policy to learn more about the plastic recycling market Home or business owner? The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has a Homeowners guide to going solar, as well as a calculator that can help you estimate the costs of going solar North Carolina State University's Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency can help you figure out what solar incentives and tax credits are available where you live If you want to learn more on the policy side, the National Conference of State Legislators has a Solar Policy Toolkit that covers fees (and incentives), net metering (it's under rates), and financing among other topics  

Quantum Quote: Margaret Mead “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” “With the greatest crises come the greatest opportunities. It's hard not to see what we can't accomplish as a state, a country, and globally to put ourselves back on a track and define what clean energy development can be.” Today, we hear how Ethan Blumenthal, a young entrepreneur just a few years out of law school, created Good Solar as a new way to provide low-cost community solar to nonprofit organizations, as well as low and moderate-income communities in North Carolina.  Discover how North Carolina became the number two state for solar installations in the United States and how Ethan sees the current economic, environmental and social crisis as an unprecedented opportunity for the clean energy transformations we all want and so clearly need. Sign up for the AWESome EarthKind™ Clean Energy Master Class to discover 3 simple actions you can take to start saving money and make the world a better place - without having to learn complex technology Supernova 1: North Carolina is second only to California in the amount of installed solar. NC is also the second biggest financial hub in the US. Supernova 2: Everyone has solar opportunities, no matter where they live, or what their utility structure is like. While many states, like New York, have deregulated electricity supply, NC and other states have “vertically-integrated” utilities who generate, transmit and distribute their electricity.  Supernova 3: Non-Profit organizations and governments can partner with for-profit companies to leverage capital,  gain solar investment tax advantages – and provide solar to low and moderate income communities. Supernova 4: Look local to find success. Find a non-profit advocacy or work organization. Provide written testimony or speak to your government leaders. Supernova 5:  Seek out and find a mentor – don't wait for one to find you. Supernova 6: The value of participation cannot be underestimated. There is always a way to have your voice heard. Reach out to your city council, county commission, local leaders, state legislators and governor. Let your voice be heard, whether you testify in person or submit written comments. Supernova 7:  Change always takes a tremendously long time, much longer than you expect. Then, when it happens, it's always faster than you ever thought possible. Internet Resource: DSIRE  - Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency https://www.dsireusa.org/  Book Recommendation: Lighting the World: Transforming Our Energy Future by Bringing Electricity to Everyone by James E. Rogers, Jr. and Stephen P. Williams Contact:  Ethan@goodsolarusa.org /goodsolarusa.org

"Citizen-architect" Angie Brooks (FAIA) joins the podcast to discuss the importance of beauty and equity in our pursuit of sustainability. She recounts the high honor of receiving an award from Michelle Obama, talks about gender diversity in architecture, and explains why we need federal leadership here in the US to create a smartgrid rather than the "stupidgrid" we have today! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k1Ieup4ajy0Episode Sponsor: www.sustainablehomesofthefuture.comContact Host: info@shfbuild.com Angela Brooks, FAIA, LEED AP, BD+C, ENV SPPrincipal, Brooks + ScarpaAngela Brooks is a recognized leader in the field of environmental and social-equity design and is responsible for firm development in the area of housing and policy, leading the firm’s sustainable initiatives and overall design staff management.Angela believes that it is not enough to create great buildings and has worked to create complete neighborhoods- she co-founded a non-profit called Livable Places to promote good policy, density and livable communities, lectures extensively on these topics and was 2018 Chair of the National AIA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE), developing programs and advocating for policy changes at the Federal level-promoting design that achieves high levels of performance.Ms. Brook’s firm BROOKS + SCARPA has received over fifty major design awards including five AIA COTE “Top Ten Green Building” Awards. In 2009 Ms. Brooks received the National American Institute of Architects Young Architects Award. In 2010, Angela’s firm was awarded the National and State Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects and she received the USA Network “Character Approved” Award for her innovative work in the field of architecture. In 2014, her firm was awarded the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award in Architecture.Show Notes:DSIRE (Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) - www.dsireusa.org NEST Toolkit - https://brooksscarpa.com/the-nest-toolkit

We’re happy to have our regular guest, Tina Gleisner, from Home Tips for Women, joining us on the show today!  Tina is an expert in home maintenance, and how to get things done around the house, whether it’s DIY or calling in professional help.  In today’s episode of the Everyday Green Home Podcast, we will be talking about budgeting and planning for the bigger expenses for the maintenance, improvements, and replacements that are needed in the home.   Home maintenance with sustainability for green homes Our homes are living and breathing things. And, even if we use only materials that will help us to live sustainably, our homes will still need some tender loving care to last for as long as possible.  Replacing the expensive things in the home From time to time, we have to replace something in our home, like the roof, an air conditioner, or an entire HVAC system, that involves a major expense. The smaller things, like the air filters, are easily manageable but replacing a whole air conditioning system will cost more money than most people have sitting in the bank.  Budgeting for the major expenses We need to plan and budget for those major expenses because they often tend to come up unexpectedly.  Budgeting for a new roof Most roofs last for about ten years, unless you live near the water, with severe weather and salt air, which will cause the roof to deteriorate faster. So it would be a good idea to get a roofing company to come in and check your roof out after ten years, and then have them do it again another five years later. This will give you valuable feedback that you can use in your planning and budgeting process. It pays to get a professional in once a year It pays to have a professional come into your home once a year to tune up your HVAC system, your air conditioner, and your water heater because regular maintenance is sure to prolong the life of those things and save you money in the long run. Also, systems that are well maintained tend to retain their energy efficiency a lot better. What to do if one of the major systems in your home breaks If any of the major systems, or a big appliance in your home breaks, for example, the garbage disposal system or the air conditioner, your first line of defense is to find the manufacturer’s warranty, so that you can check to see if that appliance or system is still covered.  Tina strongly advises people to get an extended warranty for their refrigerators because many of the ice-makers tend to be error-prone and problematic.  Water heaters It’s a good idea to buy the very best and most energy-efficient water heater that you can afford so that it will last for a long time.  HVAC Systems Tina points out that it’s not that easy to buy a high-end HVAC system because they can be very pricey. So the best way to handle that is to obtain an energy-efficient HVAC system, and then maintain it to extend the life of the system for as long as possible. How to budget for the long-term maintenance of your home The rule of thumb, when budgeting for the long-term maintenance and replacement of the bigger things in your home, is that you should be saving an average of two to three percent of whatever the purchase price of your home would be currently.  Generally, if the house is brand new, you won’t need to spend money on any of those big-budget repairs and replacements right away, so in that case, you would only need to save one percent of the purchase price of the home, annually, for the first two to five years. After that, you could increase it to two percent, and by another percent after the next five years. In that way, by the time you get to fifteen years, you will be saving three, or even four percent of the current value of your home, annually. This is necessary because a lot of things will need to be replaced after twenty or twenty-five years. Start your budget today Remember that the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. And the next best time is today! So if you haven’t yet started a budget, be sure to start one today! Links and resources: Tina’s Website  Home Budgets: Planning for the Unexpected Budgeting to Replace/Upgrade Interior Home Components Plan & Budget for Exterior Home Upgrades 8 Wood Rot Repairs Your Home Might Need Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency The Home Depot - Father's Day Savings FREE 20-minute consult with Marla about the product swaps you can do in your home! Green Home Coach website and click on the “consult with me” link.

Episode Summary  In this episode, Michael and Benoy discuss how consultative approach to solar development and financing add the most value to the customer to make the best decision.   In addition, they discuss the importance of transparency and close relationships in success in business.    Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer, and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity transactions.  Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity, which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity, to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.   Michael Kushner Michael is responsible for Operations at Infiniti Energy Services.  He leads the project management staff to ensure all initiatives are completed on time and on budget, while focusing on the safety of all construction team members and quality of all installations.  He is involved in project strategy formulation during project development, as well as strategy implementation through completion.   Michael has more than 10 years of experience in managing operations in the residential, commercial and renewable energy sectors.  Before joining Infiniti Energy Services, Michael held an east coast regional operations manager position with SunEdison, where he successfully managed the development, execution and installation of more than 50MW in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia.  He also held the position of Director of Construction at Pro-Tech Energy Solutions, LLC for two and a half years. During this time, he oversaw a project management and construction staff of twenty, while they successfully installed and interconnected over 120MWs of commercial and utility projects throughout the East Coast.   Insights from this episode: What separates Infiniti Energy Services from competitors and what markets they are focused on. How PPAs and the difficulties of financing can affect potential projects. How a background in real estate development can make it easier to develop solar projects and mitigate perceived risk.  How educating customers adds value to projects and being transparent creates stronger relationships and better business.  The benefits of the pilot program in New Jersey and how similar programs going forward will affect the industry. What entrepreneurship in solar means and ways to succeed in business ownership by developing a loyal staff. Different methods used to successfully balance life and business, such as meditation and turning off notifications.   Quotes from the show:   “Sometimes when you are so close to it you don’t necessarily take a moment to step back to see the strides you’ve already made because you’re focused on the strides you want to make.” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 “You’re basically customizing solutions that add the most value to the customer. Whereas other parties might try to push a solution that might not necessarily be a good fit.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #49 “We like to be able to bring creative solutions to folks who want to move forward with potential projects. ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 In regards to financing solar “It shouldn’t be as complicated, I think, as some other finance companies make it. ” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #49 “When you conduct business transparently and openly, there is so much time that you can save. ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 “Beyond business, it’s just human interaction. ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 On creating a business team “It isn’t only about are they right for my company, but is my company right for them. ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49 Regarding approach to success in entrepreneurship “You always have to think strategically.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #49   “Everyone’s path is different, right?  We’re all the same, but different ” – Michael Kushner, Episode #49   Resources Mentioned: New Jersey Clean Energy Program   Headspace - meditation and sleep app   Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®     Benoy spoke about Steve Raeder who is CEO of Summit Ridge Partners and he is also SunEdison alumni like Micheal who was interviewed in Episode 26 of the Solar Maverick Podcast. Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Michael Kushner    Email: infinitiES@optimum.net  Facebook: Infiniti Energy Services Website: Infiniti Energy Services Twitter: @InfinitiEnergy LinkedIn: Infiniti Energy Services   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.   This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)   

 Episode Summary   In this episode of Solar Maverick we recap  the How Solar Technology is Changing the World live event with Steve Schwerd while covering Steve’s top three    things to look for in a business partner. In addition, Steve and Benoy cover the misrepresentation of solar efficiency in comparison to other resources and the benefits of recycling and reusing solar panels.   Benoy Thanjan   Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer, and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity transactions.    Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity, which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity, to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.   Steve Schwerd   With over 25 years in Consulting Engineering, Mr. Schwerd has proven accomplishments in engineering design; project, client, staff and financial management; business development; engineering operations; and firm leadership. Experience ranges from creating small MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) departments to a Principal/Shareholder role as the engineering leader for a large multi-office, international full service Architectural & Engineering firm.   With energy and sustainable design a key focus for years, Steve then became involved in renewable energy and design in 2008 as Solar PV became an increasingly viable option.  He developed and led a full-service engineering team that emerged as a nationally recognized engineering leader for solar, having completed over 350 projects and 300MW across 25 states prior to his departure.  Upon establishing Schwerd Consulting, Steve can now follow his passion for renewable energy and be fully committed to and active in the Solar industry.      Insights from this episode: What three things you want in a business partner. Why proven results are a must. The benefits to business of interacting socially and professionally. How to build strong relationships with customers.  How recycling solar panels can further the strong idea of renewable energy. What trends may be affecting the solar industry. How the efficiency of solar transfer is perceived.   Steve Schwerd’s three things you want in a business partner:   1: They have to have proven results in their field.   2: They have to be able to develop business.   3: They have to be someone you want to have a beer with.       Quotes from the show:   “Clients and customers they don’t pay for your skills, they don’t pay for your knowledge, they pay for the application of that result. ” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48 “You need to be able to enjoy their company socially because it can be challenging enough professionally.” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48  “These are huge points that anyone can use in any type of partnership.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #48 “I think that people are looking for people that are authentic, that are themselves. I think people appreciate it.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #48 “Quality and value is first and foremost, but we want everybody involved in the process to be comfortable.  You have to have a likeability factor because at the end of the day people are putting their trust in you. ” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48  “Don’t let the business overwhelm you.” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48  “The sun is there everyday.  We are going to be wasting it if we’re not taking that and converting it to electricity. ” – Steve Schwerd, Episode #48   “Is there ever business as usual?” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #48 Resources Mentioned:   Schwerd Consulting LLC   SEIA - Solar Industries Energy Association   Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®   www.podknife.com   2019 Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar October 2-4, 2019 | Dallas, TX   Benoy will be speaking at the Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar on Friday, October 4 in a panel on “Impact of renewable energy on the future of real estate” with Lisa Brown from Johnson Controls and Susan Nickey from Hannon Armstrong. Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Steve Schwerd   Email: admin@schwerdconsulting.com Facebook: Schwerd Consulting Website: Schwerd Consulting LLC Twitter: @schwerdsolar LinkedIn: Schwerd Consulting   Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.     This episode was produced and managed by  Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)   

SMP 47: Financing Solar 101   Episode Summary In this episode of the Solar Maverick we dive into Benoy’s finance origin story going back as far as his 7th grade stock/finance class. In addition we also learn about Benoy’s parents influence on his entrepreneurial path, secrets to financing solar projects and upcoming tax incentives for solar investing.   Benoy Thanjan   Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, as well as an advisor for several solar startup companies. Reneu Energy is a premier international solar energy consulting firm and developer, and the company focuses on developing commercial and industrial solar, as well as utility-scale solar plus storage projects. The company also sources financing for solar projects and hedges both energy and environmental commodities. Reneu Energy has brokered $27 million in environmental commodity transactions.    Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity, which merged with Tesla in 2016. He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity, to move into the east coast markets. Benoy also worked at Vanguard Energy Partners, Ridgewood Renewable Power, and Deloitte & Touche.   Li Wang   Li Wang is a life-long journalist and communications professional. He worked as an intern for the Philadelphia Daily News, during the summer of the O.J. trial, and has since had some fascinating jobs, from being a business reporter, to an arts editor, to a film critic. He has since shifted his focus to digital marketing and creative services, and now his company, MJ Wang Media, develops brand messaging and identity through website design and content marketing.    Insights from this episode: The benefits and importance of early financial education How internships shape your future The importance of mentors and relationships  How and why video helps to establish trust Secrets to financing Solar Projects The blueprint to solar financing 101 Insight to solar tax incentives and upcoming changes      Quotes from the show:   “The ITC has created hundreds of thousands of jobs, sparked more than 150 billion in private investment and helped grow solar deployment by more than 10,000 percen”t – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #47   “The reason I push people to do video is it helps establishes trust.” – Li Wang, Episode  #47   “Fortunately or Unfortunately more people prefer to watch videos than to read” – Li Wang, Episode  #47   “I have 10 years of experience in the solar industry, I don't consider myself just a financing person because I’ve been on all sides of the transactions and on all of the development aspects of it and even on the construction side” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #47    “It’s interesting because 10 years of experience in the solar industry, you’re considered a veteran because it’s such a new industry.” – Benoy Thanjan, Episode #47   Resources Mentioned: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®   Solar met 2.7% of U.S. electric demand during the first half of 2019   How a battery can be eligible for the ITC today and possibly in the future   Model Leases and PPA   www.podknife.com Benoy will be speaking at the Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar on Friday, October 4 in a panel on “Impact of renewable energy on the future of real estate” with Lisa Brown from Johnson Controls and Susan Nickey from Hannon Armstrong.   2019 Deloitte Renewable Energy Seminar October 2-4, 2019 | Dallas, TX Stay Connected:   Benoy Thanjan   Email: info@reneuenergy.com LinkedIn: @bthanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Li Wang   MJWangMedia.com  Instagram: @liwang22 Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on itunes, Podbean and youtube.  

Horty Springer and Mattern partners Dan Mulholland and Henry Casale discuss very recent developments from the Office of Inspector General of HHS in terms of reviewing the False Claims Act at the State level and whether it complies with federal rules. Discussion includes a review of the False Claims Act to see if states will qualify for a 10 percent increase in any share of a False Claims Act settlement.

In this podcast, our state team discusses how many state tax incentives are now taxable due to federal tax reform.Discover more of the latest legal news and topics discussed by our attorneys by subscribing to the Eversheds Sutherland Legal Insights Podcast Channel.

With a new President of the United States and a new Congress taking shape in the election shortly, we assess the energy legislation and tax incentives on the books to nudge the clean energy economy forward with Betsy McCorkle, head of governmental affairs at the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA). North Carolina is playing a decisive role in this election cycle, and its Research Triangle is known for its innovations. Betsy works with legislators, state and local government officials, state agencies, the clean energy industry and allied organizations to educate them on clean energy issues and a related legislative agenda. Listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson in conversation with Betsy to find out: Where the utility industry is getting it right…and wrong. What can the Congress and the statehouses do to get it right? What is the NCSEA doing to nudge the utilities toward faster innovation? How is the utility industry adapting to the new technologies and how does this parallel smart phones? What tax incentives and rebates does your region offer? Betsy shared a great website to find out about these and other programs on Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency. Thanks for subscribing to Green Connections Radio - and for telling us what you think @joanmichelson on Twitter, or on our Facebook page, or by email at info@greenconnectionsradio.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP001: 3 Little Known Government Programs to Help Your Business Go Green and SAVE Money In this episode of The Skylar Lorenz Podcast, I will discuss three little known government programs to help your business go green and save money.  Plus, a special bonus resource to help brick and mortar business owners increase their net worth.  Many business owners are searching for creative ways to generate additional income streams for their business and are looking into renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. I realize that it is too common to get occupied with the day to day operation activities.  However, I invite you to take a few minutes out of your day to allow me to share with you some very valuable insights that will allow you to invest in green energy and save some money.  In this episode, you’ll discover: How One Laundromat Owner Reduced His $13,000 Gas Bill Where To Find State and Federal Incentives for Green Projects Which Federal Tax Incentive Was Affected By the Fiscal Cliff Deal Who is Chris Hurn and Why He Works Hard to Educate Brick and Mortar Business Owners Which Book Will Help You Reduce or Eliminate Your Facility Rental Expenses Right click here to download the MP3 Items mentioned in this podcast include: Green Biz: Green Laundry Episode on Hulu.com Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)  Mercantile Capital Corporation Chris Hurn: Fox Business Interview 1.20.2013 [VIDEO] The Entrepreneur’s Secret to Creating Wealth: How The Smartest Business Owners Build Their Fortunes (Book) Thank you all for listening to this episode of the Skylar Lorenz podcast.  If you value this content from this podcast, please visit iTunes using the link below and leave a review! Leave a review for the podcast! Subscribe to Skylar Lorenz Podcast by Email

"I just listened to your podcast about waste and was surprised to hear that our energy consumption is so high in America! The problem is, I don't know where the energy is going, nor do I understand which things I might be doing to use so much. What are some tips for saving energy? Why do Americans require so much more than other countries?" Waste comes in many forms. Sadly, energy waste is all too common here in the United States.On today's show we're breaking down two important topics: 1. how much energy do humans actually need to consume to live happy, healthy lives, and 2. what are some practical ways to reduce the chances that the energy we're consuming isn't wasted? Here's a preview:[2:30] A breakdown of exactly how much more energy Americans use than citizens of other countries use[5:30] What research has to say about energy consumption and quality of life[10:00] Let's chat about your home's holes for a hot minute[17:45] Reigning in excessive and unnecessary electricity use[22:00] Is community solar the renewable energy that's right for you?[25:30] Thoughts on finding comfort in being a tiny bit uncomfortable[30:00] Everything you need to know about the two thumbs up heat pump Resources mentioned:6 Ways to Save Money and Energy at Home (via Consumer Reports)How Much Energy Powers A Good Life? Less Than You're Using, Says A New Report (via National Public Radio)Community Solar Basics (via the Office Of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy)Heat Pump Buying Guide (via Consumer Reports)A Heat Pump Might Be Right for Your Home. Here's Everything to Know (via The New York Times)Database of State Incentives for Renewables & EfficiencyHow To Make A DIY Chimney Balloon (via Eco Thrifty Living)--* Join our (free!) community here.* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.* Email me and say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.--Thank you to our sponsors!Skillshare: Visit skillshare.com/sustainable for your first month free.Thrive Market: head to thrivemarket.com/sustainable for your $60 free gift. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sustainable-minimalists/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy